Latest news with #SuzanneWylie
Metro
14-07-2025
- Health
- Metro
Size 8 women are calling themselves fat in a 'disturbing hierarchy' of slimness
'Oh, I'm skinny fat.' The realisation hit me like a slap in the face, but it's not that I think I'm overweight, I know I'm perfectly healthy. It's because a girl who had exactly my body type posted a 'before and after' TikTok of her going from slim to toned, and my body was her 'before'. She still looked great in the 'before', and by great I mean totally and completely normal. Her tummy just folded over her jeans a little as she slouched, as mine does, too. The after shot shows her with very little visble body fat. I headed to the comments expecting to see people telling her she already looked amazing and didn't need to lose that weight, but that wasn't what greeted me. A girl had written: 'I need this bc I'm like skinny fat.' And it had close to 11,000 likes. Society has decided being slim is no longer good enough, now we have to be lean and toned like an athlete or model. I'd always had the luxury of being born with a body that social media deems 'acceptable' – until now. The widespread use of Ozempic and other weight loss jabs has 'reset the visual benchmark' for what is considered 'skinny', says Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor. 'It has created a disturbing hierarchy, where even naturally slim individuals feel they must go to further extremes to maintain their status or avoid criticism,' she tells Metro. 'Skinny fat' isn't a new term – historically, it's been used to describe a body type where individuals have a higher portion of visceral fat around their organs, depsite a 'healthy' BMI range. But let's be clear: this latest iteration of the phrase is about aesthetics, not health. Whereas five or six years ago the body positivity movement made it taboo to post this kind of content, it feels somehow socially acceptable again. And though TikTok has banned various hashtags associated with 'skinnytok', the algorithm has served me video after video of how to get rid of my 'skinny fat'. I know it's toxic and unnecessary, so why do I feel the need to do so? 'I'm increasingly concerned about the impact of social media trends on young people's perceptions of health and body image,' Dr Suzanne tells me. 'The idea that someone who is a size six or eight and not visibly toned might consider themselves fat, speaks to a deepening misunderstanding of body composition, health, and self-worth.' She adds that terms like 'skinny fat' reflect a shift in what we deem healthy or desirable, and having zero fat on your body isn't good for you. 'Having some body fat is not only normal, it is essential,' Dr Suzanne explains. 'Fat plays a critical role in hormone production and immune function. 'Maintaining a healthy level of body fat is vital for menstrual function and fertility. So striving for an extremely low body fat percentage, in pursuit of muscle definition, can actually be detrimental to long-term health.' The bottom line is that being toned doesn't necessarily equate to being healthy, especially if you're going to try and achieve it by restricting food or exercising excessively. 'I regularly see young women with perfectly healthy BMIs and good cardiovascular fitness who nonetheless feel inadequate because they don't match an airbrushed or filtered online ideal,' Dr Suzanne says. 'The pressure to be lean, rather than just slim, is intensifying.' Serena Novelli, body confidence coach and founder of Love Thy Body, agrees, saying: 'This trend masks that tone has as much to do with muscle as it does with shape, and muscle needs strength, not shame, to grow.' Disturbingly, Dr Suzanne says she's seen an uptick in young women who come to her deeply unhappy with their appearance, despite being fit and healthy. 'It's worrying, because this can quickly spiral into more serious conditions such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia – especially when combined with perfectionist personality traits or low self-esteem.' @marie_xoxo_ Its a vibe 😌 #fyp ♬ original sound – songs n lyrics Serena wants to reiterate that 'bodies are not trends, they're homes' – a mantra more important than ever in an era increasingly defined by filters, AI and weight loss jabs. More Trending 'That little fold of skin when we bend? It's human. It's normal,' she says. 'Women have been conditioned to critique themselves endlessly, but we need less comparison and more compassion. View More » 'Instead of chasing another standard, let's come home to our bodies, soft, strong, ever-changing and worthy as they are.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Feminist hero Gisele Pelicot receives France's highest civilian honour MORE: I'm a millennial – please stop sending me perimenopause memes MORE: Until I had one, I was ignorant about the reality of miscarriages Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Does My Covid Vaccine Still Work? I Asked A GP If It's Time For A Booster
Recently, the Covid strain XFG – nicknamed 'Stratus'– became the dominant variant in the UK. Before then, the 'Nimbus' strain was rapidly spreading. In both cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that while they were 'variants under monitoring', the 'Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective' against the mutations. They can help to prevent extreme symptoms and reduce the risk of people getting seriously ill, the WHO explained, even though both Stratus and Nimbus strains have mutated from the original virus. But does that mean we should all be getting more Covid vaccines? Who needs to get them more often, given that their effects 'wane'? HuffPost UK asked GP, Dr Suzanne Wylie, a medical adviser for IQdoctor, about who may need yearly vaccines. 'As with the flu vaccine, COVID vaccinations are now being tailored to the most prevalent strains circulating at the time,' Dr Wylie said. 'Currently, the general advice is that most people do not need regular COVID boosters unless they fall into higher-risk categories, such as those over 75, individuals with underlying health conditions, or those who are immunocompromised.' This is different to 2024 when booster vaccines were given to everyone over 65. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said in a report that they made these changes because population-level immunity has improved, thanks to exposure to the virus and/or vaccines (this combination is called 'hybrid immunity'). As a result, they said, they chose to focus on people most at risk, including 'the oldest adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed.' For healthy younger adults, Dr Wylie added, 'routine vaccination is not usually necessary more than once a year, if at all, unless advised otherwise during periods of high transmission or in response to a new variant of concern.' The NHS say they will contact you if you're eligible for a vaccine. This may be the case if you're over 75, are immunocompromised, and/or live in a care home for adults. Dr Wylie says that 'Vaccines, including updated COVID boosters, are designed to provide protection against the most common or concerning strains each season.' 'While no vaccine offers complete immunity,' she added, 'they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and complications.' But newer variants, like the Stratus strain, can 'sometimes partially evade prior immunity, which is why updated vaccines may be offered if there's evidence of increased severity or spread.' The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) monitor Covid risk levels and will help determine if a wider rollout becomes necessary. 'For now,' Dr Wylie told HuffPost UK, 'for most younger, healthy individuals, annual or less frequent vaccination is generally sufficient.' New Covid Stratus Strain Is Dominant In The UK – Here's Its Most Unique Symptom New Covid Variant Nimbus Symptom May Show Up When You Swallow, Doctor Says Reform UK MP James McMurdock Gives Up Party Whip Over Covid Loans Allegations
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Cases of new ‘Frankenstein' Covid variant quadruple in weeks – as experts warn it could be most contagious yet
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CASES of a new 'Frankenstein' Covid variant - feared to super contagious - have quadrupled in a matter of weeks, officials warn. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the variant, dubbed 'Stratus', has become the dominant Covid strain in England. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Experts say the new Covid variant could be causing a telltale symptom Credit: Getty Making up 10 per cent of all Covid-19 cases in May, the variant accounted for 40 per cent of all infections by mid June - just three weeks later. Experts warn Stratus could be more infectious than previous Covid variants, as it has mutations that help the virus dodge our immune system's defences. Known scientifically as XFG, is what is known as a Frankenstein or "recombinant" strain - when a person gets infected with two Covid strains at once that combine to become a new hybrid variant. Two versions of Stratus are currently in circulation: XFG and a spin-off XFG. 3. Prof Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, told MailOnline both are "rapidly spreading". "The increased competitiveness of XFG and XFG.3 is likely due to new spike mutations which make these variants more able to evade the immune response," he said. "Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3. "This could lead to a new wave of infection but it's difficult to predict the extent of this wave." UKHSA wrote in its recent report: "In sequenced [Covid-19] samples, the most prevalent lineages were XFG and its sub-lineages." But it's worth noting that the report showed overall Covid cases falling compared to recent weeks. Is little-known hMPV virus ravaging China the NEW Covid? The World Health Organisation (WHO) also announced it was keeping an eye on Stratus. In a recent report, it designated it as a "variant under monitoring with increasing proportions globally", now accounting for 22 per cent of cases recorded across the world. The health watchdog estimated it would likely become the dominant global strain soon. Stratus is a combination of the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 Covid variants. What to do if you get Covid Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, advised the best things to do if you test positive for Covid - as well as how to best protect yourself: "If you test positive or have symptoms consistent with Covid, the advice remains to stay at home if you can, rest, stay hydrated, and avoid contact with others — particularly those who are vulnerable. "You don't need to inform your GP unless you're in a high-risk group or your symptoms worsen. "Lateral flow tests can still be useful, and some people may qualify for antiviral treatment, so do check the latest NHS guidance if you're unsure. "To prevent getting Covid, good hygiene practices go a long way - regular hand washing, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with others if you're feeling unwell. "If you're eligible for a Covid booster, it's a good idea to take it. Ventilating indoor spaces and wearing masks in crowded settings can also help reduce the risk. "It's all about layering protection, especially during periods when cases are on the rise." When comparing Stratus to the previously dominant JN1 variant, the WHO said 'distinct mutational profiles in the spike protein can be identified". The variant may better at evading our immune defences, it suggested. But WHO officials noted: "Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by XFG is evaluated as low at the global level. "Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Stratus symptoms By now, we're all familiar with common Covid symptoms, such as a high temperature, coughing, loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath. Experts say Stratus could be causing a telltale symptom that differs from other variants. Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK: 'One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice. 'Though the symptoms manifest differently and vary from person to person, the symptoms of Stratus tend to be mild to moderate. 'Regardless of whether the symptoms mimic a cold or flu, testing continues to be the critical step in eliminating the possibility of a coronavirus infection.'
The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The hidden dangers of Ozempic-like fat jabs in hot weather – and ‘double whammy' side effect that can prove fatal
WEIGHT loss jabs have been hailed for their rapid and drastic results, particularly for those who've tried and failed time and again on 'fad diets'. But like all medicines, the jabs don't come without risk of side effects - one of which could rear its ugly head in this glorious weather. 5 The Met Office predicts a heatwave is looking likely this weekend Credit: Getty 5 Many Brits will be looking to enjoy the scorching temperatures - but fat jab users should beware Credit: Getty 5 Temperatures are set to exceed 30C in some parts of the country Credit: Met Office For the 1.5 million people in the UK estimated to now be using weight loss injections - primarily through online providers - doctors have warned extra caution needs to be taken during hot weather. The Met Office predicts that a heatwave is looking likely this weekend - with temperatures exceeding 30C in parts of the UK. While many Brits will be looking forward to basking in the scorching heat, patients taking weight loss jabs risk Dehydration can lead to a range of health risks, from mild discomfort to serious complications, such as heatstroke, urinary and kidney problems, seizures, and low blood volume shock. If severe and left untreated, dehydration can even lead to death. Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of 'People forget to drink because they don't feel hungry or thirsty. But your body still needs fluid - and when you're eating less, you're also getting less hydration from food. It's a double whammy. "If you're not replacing that fluid, it can creep into mild dehydration quickly - especially in hot weather or during exercise.' Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for Hot weather exacerbates the dehydration, warns Prof Joseph. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons He says: 'When it's hot, you're sweating more - but if the jab is dulling your thirst, you don't feel the urge to replace what you've lost. 'That's when the danger kicks in - 'Your body can't cool itself properly, and things can go downhill fast. "Heat makes dehydration risks ten times worse. It's even more important to stay on top of fluids during summer if you're using weight loss medication.' In the hot weather, certain groups are at greater risk of dehydration, including older adults, babies and young children, people with chronic illness (like heart or kidney problems), those on certain medications, and individuals who are physically active in the heat. In addition to heat stroke and kidney problems, dehydration can contribute to the development of gallstones by reducing bile flow and concentrating bile in the gall bladder. at Asda Online Doctor explains: "Gallstones are an uncommon side effect of weight loss medication and are associated with rapid weight loss, being dehydrated can increase the risks of developing gallstones, so it's important that you remain adequately hydrated." Other health risks to watch out for... 5 Some weight loss medications can cause photosensitivity and increase the risk of skin damage Credit: Getty If you're eating less, drinking less, and sweating more, your body can hit empty, warned Prof Joseph. "Add in heat and you're asking for trouble - fatigue, cramps or even passing out," he added. George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent at energy levels. He said: "This can have a knock on effect on your ability to do physical activity and your overall well being, not to mention have a negative effect on your weight loss efforts." Some weight loss medications can also cause photosensitivity, he warned, increasing the risk of sunburn and He cautioned: "It's important to be fully aware of the potential side effects of taking any medication, including weight loss drugs ." What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. 5 Making sure you drink enough water during hot weather can ensure you stay safe Credit: Getty How to stay safe For those using weight loss jabs, Dr Wylie says it's imperative to make sure you're drinking enough water. She explains: "It's important to drink more water than usual when taking weight-loss medication. "Adults should aim for around two to three litres per day. This can include plain water, squash, herbal teas, or other low-sugar drinks. "Staying hydrated helps your body manage the side effects and supports your overall health during weight loss treatments." Prof Joseph adds: "Don't wait until you're thirsty - by then, you're already behind. Carry a big bottle with you everywhere, set reminders, and sip little and often. 'You need to hydrate slowly and consistently through the day, not chug a bottle all at once. Your body absorbs water better that way and it helps avoid energy crashes or headaches linked to dehydration. "I recommend adding electrolytes once a day - especially in hot weather or if you're on a lower calorie diet. "They help your body hold onto the water and replace lost minerals. And try not to rely on tea or coffee - they can be dehydrating too.' And looking out for signs of dehydration is also important. Dr Wylie advises: "Check your
Cosmopolitan
28-05-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
A new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 is spreading: here are the symptoms to look out for
While for some, the coronavirus pandemic might feel like a lifetime ago, the virus is unfortunately still something we ought to be mindful of. New reports say a fresh variant, NB.1.8.1, descended from the Omicron variant, has now been identified as a 'Variant Under Monitoring' by the World Health Organisation – meaning it's a mutation of the virus that experts are wanting to keep an eye on. Initially, there was a spike in cases in China, but the NB.1.8.1. strain has now also been detected in the U.S., Indian and possibly the UK, although there isn't solid data on how widespread or likely that is just yet. Before this sparks any panic, it's important to say this does not mean there's cause for concern, says Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor. "Health officials are warning that this variant is spreading rapidly, suggesting it has enhanced transmissibility compared to circulating strains," she explains. "As with previous variants, we can expect it to become more prevalent globally over the coming weeks if current trends continue." Dr Wylie adds that from a clinical standpoint, there's currently a lack of in-depth studies to assess the impact of the NB.1.8.1 variant. "[But] based on preliminary observations, no rise in severity has been reported, and it is anticipated that current COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be effective in preventing hospitalisation and severe illness, though this hasn't been formally studied for NB.1.8.1 specifically." Here, we take a look at the new Covid variant symptoms to be mindful of and detail everything else we know about NB.1.8.1. According to Dr Wylie, this new variant "appears to follow similar patterns to previous Omicron variants", in terms of how contagious it is and how severely unwell it makes people. However, given this new strain is still in its infancy, more clinical data is needed. "Any increase in community transmission could still impact vulnerable populations and healthcare services, so continued vigilance is appropriate whilst we await more comprehensive research," she adds. By now, we're likely all familiar with the more general Covid symptoms of a temperature, loss of taste or smell, and a cough. But when it comes the NB.1.8.1., Dr Wylie says early reports indicate symptoms are mild and "similar to earlier Omicron variants, including a sore throat, cough, and fever." She stresses again that there's minimal research at this stage for this specific variant. "As a GP, I'd advise patients to remain alert for the familiar constellation of COVID symptoms we've seen throughout the pandemic: respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell," Dr Wylie advises. "Until we have more specific data on NB.1.8.1, our existing clinical recognition patterns remain the best guide." The advice on how to approach a confirmed or suspected case of Covid has changed a lot since the early days of the pandemic – free, routine testing is no longer as readily available. "The emphasis has shifted towards personal responsibility and protecting vulnerable individuals," says Dr Wylie, reminding that there are still people at greater risk of falling ill with Covid compared to the general population. It's important that those people are kept in mind if you suspect you have Covid. "The general advice is to stay at home whilst unwell and avoid contact with others, particularly vulnerable people, until you feel better and no longer have a high temperature," notes the GP. "You should seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or if you're in a high-risk group." If you work in healthcare, testing is still advised but routine community testing and reporting is no longer mandatory. "The key principle is to behave responsibly," the doctor reminds. "If you're unwell with respiratory symptoms, treat it as potentially infectious regardless of the specific cause and take appropriate precautions to protect others." This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
